Plastering
Gain plastering skills – and your competitive edge
Students take part in the national SkillBuild competition, showcasing their plastering and drylining skills to industry standards. They train with British Gypsum Gold Standard materials, practise in EPA-style bays, and gain insights from guest speakers. The programme builds not just qualifications but real experience, recognition, and a competitive edge in the construction industry.
PLASTERING
Subject overview
What's on offer
Hands-on training is at the heart of our plastering provision – it’s all about getting stuck in with your learning, and applying your skills so that when you’re qualified, you can get started with confidence.
City of Portsmouth College is the only college on the South Coast where you can learn plastering, developing your skills in a fully functioning workspace with the right tools for every challenge. Crucially, you’ll benefit from our strong links with industry, including major brands like British Gypsum, whose plaster and plasterboard products are the gold standard in UK construction.
As part of your course, we’ll encourage you to gain experience by using your skills to benefit the local community. If you need to boost your maths and English skills, you can do that alongside your course – especially helpful if you decide to set up your own business.
Subject highlights
- guest speakers, who can tell you all about the industry and career opportunities
- industry talks, offering insight into the latest developments and skills for the future
- industry-standard workshops and realistic working environments for skills development
- opportunities to take part in external competitions and showcase your talent.
Course: Level 1 Diploma in Plastering
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: North Harbour Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P106184
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Course: Level 2 Diploma in Plastering
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: North Harbour Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P106186
Course: Level 2 Plastering Apprenticeship Standard
- Course Type: Apprenticeships
- Campus: North Harbour Campus
- Attendance: One day a week
- Course Code: P260811
Our facilities
At City of Portsmouth College, we hold British Gypsum Gold Award Centre status – a mark of excellence achieved through years of dedication by our expert teaching team. This national recognition places our facilities among the very best in the UK, guaranteeing every learner trains to the highest standards with cutting-edge materials and methods.
Key facilities include
- purpose-built workshop spread over two floors, built to industry standards, designed to mirror real construction sites
- a dedicated dry lining and interior systems space allowing students to practice dry lining, jointing and finishing techniques, alongside plasterboard and ceiling systems
- fully equipped and full-sized plastering bays, ideal for perfecting each aspects of the trade from repairing and restoring heritage projects, to applying float and set coats.
Virtual tour
Take a closer look at our learning spaces and stand-out facilities with our interactive 360° virtual tour.
A great way to explore our facilities before booking a visit.
“I’ve always wanted to do plastering ever since I was little. It’s a very interesting course and the experience I’m getting here will help me further on in life.”Bobby Jeal
Studying: Level 1 Diploma in Plastering
Careers in plastering
Plasterer
Plasterers mix and apply plaster to walls and ceilings, to prepare them for decorating.
Main responsibilities:
- Prepare surfaces by cleaning, smoothing and levelling walls and ceilings
- Mix plaster to the right consistency using mechanical or hand tools
- Apply plaster or render to surfaces, creating a smooth or textured finish
- Fix plasterboard panels to walls and ceilings, to form partitions or room linings
- Add decorative touches such as ceiling roses and cornices
Salary range:
£21,000 - £38,000
Dryliner
Dryliners build internal walls, suspended ceilings and raised flooring.
Main responsibilities:
- Measure, cut and fit plasterboard to walls, ceilings and partitions
- Fix panels securely to timber, metal frames or ceiling joists
- Create openings for doors, windows and sockets by shaping panels
- Seal joints and edges, then sand surfaces ready for decorating
- Keep your workspace safe and tidy, disposing of leftover materials
Salary range:
£22,000 - £43,000
Partitioner
Partitioners are experts in dividing up buildings into rooms or sections.
Main responsibilities:
- Install a range of partitioning systems in homes and businesses
- Use hand and power tools to make partitions out of wood, metal or glass
- Work out the right positions for doors, power points and light switches
- Assess the space and floor plans to make sure partitions are suitable
- Follow soundproofing and fire safety regulations
Salary range:
£19,000 - £43,000
Let’s help you shape your future.
Pioneering green building with recycled plasterboard
Our industry partners at British Gypsum are leading the way in sustainable construction. Their latest breakthrough is the first UK manufactured plasterboard made entirely from recycled gypsum. By transforming waste collected from construction sites into a high-quality product, they’re helping the building sector to reduce scrap and lower their carbon emissions. Our students can be proud to learn their trade with input from businesses that are actively shaping a sustainable future.
Frequently asked questions
No. All core tools and equipment are provided within our specialist workshops.
This allows you to focus fully on mastering techniques such as skimming, rendering, dry lining and finishing before investing in your own professional kit. Training with industry standard equipment ensures you develop confidence using the tools expected on site.
If you have not achieved a grade 4 or equivalent in GCSE maths or English, you will continue to study these subjects alongside your main programme.
Strong literacy and numeracy skills are essential in plastering, from calculating materials and measurements to communicating clearly with clients and colleagues. Achieving these qualifications strengthens your employability and supports long term career progression within the construction industry.
A detailed kit list will be provided at enrolment outlining required clothing and personal protective equipment.
Having the correct kit ensures safe and professional practice from the start of your course. It also helps you develop good habits around preparation and presentation, both of which are valued on site.
Yes. Steel toe cap boots, durable work trousers and a plain black t shirt are required for practical sessions.
Wearing appropriate workwear reflects industry expectations, reinforces safe working habits and prepares you for real construction environments where professionalism matters.
Plumbing and Gas courses combine substantial practical workshop training with essential technical theory.
At Levels 1 and 2, the focus is largely on developing hands-on skills such as pipework installation, system maintenance and understanding domestic water systems. As you progress to higher levels, you will explore more complex theory, industry regulations, safety standards and system design principles.
This balanced structure ensures you develop both the practical competence and the technical understanding required for long term progression within the trade.
Yes. Our apprenticeship team can support you in identifying suitable opportunities and preparing strong applications.
An apprenticeship enables you to develop your plastering skills in a live working environment, earning while you continue your training. Many students see this as a powerful next step towards building a respected and sustainable trade career.
Yes. All study, including maths and English where required, takes place at our North Harbour Campus.
Training in one dedicated location gives you consistent access to specialist workshops and experienced tutors, allowing you to steadily refine your technique and find your brilliance in a highly skilled and practical trade.
Once you have chosen the right course, simply visit the relevant course page and follow the clear application or enquiry instructions provided.
Each listing outlines entry requirements, next steps and key dates so you can move forward with confidence. After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation and further guidance about what to expect next.
Our process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring you feel informed at every stage as you take your first step towards finding your brilliance at City of Portsmouth College.
Have a question?
Get in touch and our advice and guidance team will be more
than happy to answer any questions you may have and guide
you in the right direction.
